Page 104 of In The Dark
“Well, there’s no killing. You just have to steal documents from Ekrin Highcrest.”
My head snaps up at the duke of Alvonia’s name. “Ekrin, why?”
“There’s suspected treason. King Elion wants to make sure Ekrin is obeying the law. The documents could possibly contain evidence of that and must remain sealed so he knows they haven’t been tampered with. The location of the documents should be in the orders. He’s offered to throw in extra money for the trouble.”
I huff, gripping the envelope. Elion has never offered more money for any mission. It’s either you get it done or get beaten, so whatever he wants to find out now must be important—yet my thoughts land on what I saw on Elion’s desk a couple weeks ago. I raise my head to the sound of Ren standing.
“Thank you,” I mutter. “For doing that. I just?—”
“Don’t,” he interrupts. “You’re right, I don’t need to know. The less I know, the better. But whatever you’re planning—because I know you will eventually—just make sure it’s good and don’t get yourself killed over it.” All I can do is nod.
Not only did henotsay anything, he gave me a mission so that I don’t feel like I have to lie to Rydian. He gave me an alibi.And now he trusts me enough to go along with a plan I haven’t even created yet.
A knot settles in the pit of my stomach when a knock sounds at the door and I frown, shooting Ren a wary glance. Who’s outside? Ren nods in its direction, silently encouraging me to answer it.
In an instant, I cross the threshold and crack the door open, finding Ezra fully dressed for training.
“Hey, are you ready?” he asks, eyes bright and eager, clearly rested. I almost groan.I need sleep.
I completely forgot about meeting with him. We planned on training when he got back from his most recent mission, but that isn’t supposed to be until tomorrow, giving me extra time with Milena if I needed it. He’s a day early.
I’ve somehow managed to calm the shaking enough to give him a soft smile, composing myself. “Yes, but I got a mission today so I can’t go hunting like we wanted to. We can train though.” I chuckle.Not that I mind.
“Oh, okay. Well, get dressed, and I’ll wait out here then.” He gives me a once-over, noting how I’m not dressed to train.
I chuckle again and shut the door, expecting to find Ren waiting on the settee, but I return to an empty room, the middle window slightly ajar from his departure.
“He’s busy,” the guard growls, standing outside King Elion’s archives. “You can wait just like everyone else.”
After rising this morning, I was met with Theron at my door, summoned by King Elion to meet in his archives. My stomach dropped, but I know it isn’t for anything other than the documents I stole last night. He’s eager to see what I have, and hopefully we’re only meeting in his archives for privacy.
I glance to my left as the second guard widens his stance,clinking the armor he wears. I almost laugh at his confidence, as if he could hurt me. But I know that Elion has some of the best fighters and that includes his guards.
I have no doubt he would be an interesting opponent to fight. One hand rests on the hilt of my short sword, itching to reach for it, while the stolen documents from Ekrin Highcrest are held firmly in the other. My gaze flicks back to the mouthy guard on my left, giving him an icy grin.
“Is swinging that sword all you’re good at, or are you compensating for something else?” I ask casually, darting my gaze to the lower half of his body.
He’s on me in an instant, but not before I have my dagger pointed at his throat, forcing him to halt with a sneer on his face. The other guard inches forward a step.
“Try it,” I murmur. His hot, putrid breath hits my face, and it takes everything in me not to wince from the smell. “Honestly, your fighting skills might be good, but I think your breath would kill anyone before they even got to you.” The guard grunts as I twist my face in disgust. The archive doors open.
“Isa.” Ezra walks out.
I straighten, flicking my gaze to Ezra, who’s armed to the teeth and wearing a thick dark gray cloak, his hair windblown.
“Were you summoned too?” I ask, flinging my dagger back into its position at my waist, stepping away from the guard who’s returned to the edge of the door.
“I was. I didn’t get the chance to update him yesterday.” His gaze drops to my hands, and then he raises a single brow. “Documents?”
“Isa!” Elion calls out.
“I have to go—he’s been waiting for these. Let’s train later,” I get out and Ezra nods, watching me enter the archives.
My pulse races, and Elion’s yellow eyes stare back at me as I approach, stopping just shy of his desk. I hold my composure with a lift of my chin, leaning in to hand him the documents.
“Your Majesty.” I bow.
“It would be wise of you not to keep me waiting. What do you have for me?” Elion asks.
